Detroit Metro passenger traffic declines in 2009

ROMULUS, Mich. (AP) - Detroit Metropolitan Airport says passenger traffic fell nearly 11 percent last year compared with 2008.

Preliminary data released Thursday shows about 31.4 million passengers arrived at or departed from the airport in 2009 - about 3.8 million fewer than the previous year.

Aircraft landings and takeoffs also declined 6.5 percent year-over-year to 462,520. Total air cargo dropped 23.2 percent during the same period, but increased by about 10 percent in December when compared to the same month in 2008.

Airport officials say air traffic reflects the ups and downs of the economy, as well as major global events.